Baking on air
We loved the sturdy design and good results from AireGourmet’s air-insulated baking sheet from Heartland Bakeware Co. The hard-anodized aluminum surface draws heat; double-layered construction uses air to insulate it. The pan is naturally non-stick too; we made chocolate mudslide cookies and the residue cleaned off easily. The 16-by-14-inch sheet costs $20-$25 at Beverly’s Pantry, 1907 W. 103rd St., or by mail from the TV shopping network HSN.com (or 800-284-3100).
Direct from Italy
Academia Barilla’s imported salami is offered in two varieties, salame di Parma and the spicier salame al finocchio (with fennel), both made with red wine and aged for 60 days. Tasters thought the former too mild, but the fennel-spiked version was something else altogether: rich and vividly spiked with flavor. Mmm. Each 6.35-ounce salami is $7-$8 at Treasure Island, Sam’s Wines & Spirits in Chicago, Highland Park and Downers Grove, Joe Caputo and Sons Fruit Market in Des Plaines and Palatine, Frankie’s Deli in Lombard and online at www.academiabarilla.com.
Cheesy kick
Chili peppers bring a pleasant kick to Sargento’s new Chipotle Cheddar, available in slices, shreds and individually packed snack sticks for $2.70-$4.30 per package at Sunset Foods and Dominick’s (shredded and sliced only).
